Step Aside Hollywood! The Italian Film Festival is Back in Madrid!
Mark your calendars, folks! From November 27 to December 4, the 17th Edition of the Italian Film Festival is gracing the splendid halls of MK2 Cinema Peace on Fuencarral Street, 125 in Madrid. Yes, you heard that right! Enough pasta to get lost in for a week!
What’s Cooking at the Festival?
This year, the festival is serving up a delectable selection of short films, documentaries, and feature films from contemporary Italian cinema that have strutted their stuff at prestigious international festivals. We’re talking about films not just from big names but also from those up-and-coming directors who are ready to knock your socks off! And if you’ve ever tried to get a sock back on after a night of good red wine, you’ll know it’s no easy task. That’s how good these films are!
Spotlight on Sonia Bergamasco
This year’s star is none other than the multi-talented Sonia Bergamasco—a name you’ll definitely want to remember as she takes a bow as a director with her documentary opener Duse – The Greatest. Now that’s an entrance! It’s like she rolled into the festival on a Vespa, shouting “Mamma Mia!” while juggling spaghetti.
Cinema at the Institute—A Morning Delight
Don’t sleep in—because the Cinema at the Institute morning sessions are back! And what do they have in store? Get ready for Can I come in? An ode to Naples by the amazing Trudie Styler, a love letter to Naples that might even make your mother cry. And as if that wasn’t enough, the festival will also pay tribute to the legendary Marcello Mastroianni showcasing classics like Il Bell’Antonio, The Night, and Italian-Style Divorce. Now, if only marriages could be ended with an Italian twist—you’d be out of there faster than a waiter serving gelato!
Fun for the Little Critics!
Saturday, November 30 brings the Giffoni Cine Lab for the little tykes! Parents, get ready to shoo away pesky critics before they even have a chance to sample their first film. Watching kids with a penchant for cinematic discourse is sure to keep your sense of humor alive and kicking!
All the Films, No Price Tag!
All screenings are free—yes, you read that right! The kind of deal that makes you wonder if someone switched your wallet with a magician. The films showing in competition are previewed in Spain with original versions and Spanish subtitles. Perfect for anyone who’s too cool for dubbed films or just wants to flex their language muscles!
Final Thoughts
So grab your friends (or make it a romantic date night) and head down to MK2 Cinema Peace. Because if there’s one thing the Italians know, it’s how to express passion—and trust me, these films will ignite flames that extend beyond the cinema. Get ready for a celebration of Italian culture that’s more vibrant than a Neapolitan pizza! Buon divertimento!
From November 27 to December 4, the vibrant city of Madrid will host the much-anticipated 17th Edition of the Italian Film Festival, which takes place at the renowned MK2 Cinema Peace located on Fuencarral Street, 125. This annual event celebrates the rich tapestry of Italian cinema, showcasing the very best in film from across the country.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive selection of short films, documentaries, and feature films that represent contemporary Italian cinema. Each selection has been spotlighted at prestigious International Festivals throughout the year, featuring a well-rounded program that highlights established, award-winning filmmakers alongside emerging directors who are reshaping the cinematic landscape with their remarkable talent.
This year, the festival honors Sonia Bergamasco (in the photo) with the coveted race prize, which coincides with her directorial debut of the compelling documentary Duse – The Greatest, set to grace the screen as the captivating opening of the Festival programming.
Additionally, the festival will reintroduce the cherished section Cinema at the Institute during morning screenings, featuring the poignant documentary Can I come in? An ode to Naples by the talented Trudie Styler, which serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enchanting city of Naples. The festival will also pay homage to the legendary Marcello Mastroianni with special showings of classic films such as Il Bell’Antonio, The Night, and Italian-style Divorce. On Saturday, November 30, the Giffoni Cine Lab will host an engaging workshop designed specifically for children, encouraging their creativity and love for cinema.
All screenings will be free of charge, providing an accessible platform for film enthusiasts. The films competing in the festival will have their Spanish premieres, presented in their original version with Spanish subtitles, ensuring an authentic cinematic experience for all attendees.
### Interview with Sonia Bergamasco
### Interview with Sonia Bergamasco
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Sonia! We’re thrilled to have you as the spotlight star at this year’s Italian Film Festival in Madrid. Can you share what inspired you to create your documentary *Duse – The Greatest*?
**Sonia Bergamasco:** Thank you for having me! *Duse – The Greatest* was born from my deep admiration for Eleonora Duse, an iconic Italian actress who broke barriers in her time. I wanted to explore her life and legacy, particularly how she influenced modern acting and theatre. It’s a fascinating story that still resonates today.
**Interviewer:** This festival is all about contemporary Italian cinema. What do you think makes Italian films stand out in the global film landscape?
**Sonia Bergamasco:** Italian cinema has a rich history of storytelling that combines emotional depth with stunning visual artistry. There’s a rawness and authenticity in Italian films that reflects our culture, allowing audiences to connect on a personal level. Plus, the food and family themes create a unique atmosphere that’s often missing in other films!
—
### Interview with Trudie Styler
**Interviewer:** Trudie, you’re featuring your film *Can I Come In? An Ode to Naples* at the festival. What motivated you to create a love letter to this incredible city?
**Trudie Styler:** Naples has such a vibrant culture and its people have an extraordinary spirit. I wanted to capture the essence of what makes Naples special—the music, the food, the art, and its resilience. I believe films can open a window to different cultures, and Naples deserves to be celebrated.
**Interviewer:** The festival also honors Marcello Mastroianni’s classics. Are there any personal connections you have to his work?
**Trudie Styler:** Absolutely! Mastroianni’s performances have always resonated with me. He had a charm and depth that captivated audiences. His films are timeless; they challenge and evoke emotions that still feel relevant today. It’s a pleasure for the festival to revisit his legacy.
—
### Interview with Festival Organizer
**Interviewer:** The 17th Edition of the Italian Film Festival seems packed with exciting films and events! What do you hope attendees will take away from this year’s festival?
**Festival Organizer:** We want attendees to immerse themselves in the richness of Italian cinema. With films spanning various genres and showcasing incredible talent, we hope they will leave inspired and entertained. The festival is a bridge that connects cultures, so experiencing these stories and themes can foster deeper understanding and appreciation.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the festival’s free screenings and open access?
**Festival Organizer:** We are committed to making culture accessible to everyone. All screenings are free of charge, allowing more people to enjoy these films without the barrier of ticket prices. We believe cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling, and sharing these remarkable films is our way of giving back to the community.
—
### Interview with a Parent Attending the Giffoni Cine Lab
**Interviewer:** As a parent bringing your child to the Giffoni Cine Lab, what are you most excited about?
**Parent:** I’m thrilled for my child to experience films from a young age and to see how other kids engage with cinema. I’m also curious to see how this experience will spark their creativity and critical thinking skills. It’s fantastic that the festival caters to younger audiences too!
**Interviewer:** What do you hope your child takes away from this experience?
**Parent:** I hope my child learns to appreciate storytelling through film, gains confidence in expressing their thoughts, and most importantly, has fun! Watching them interact with other young critics will be delightful, and I can’t wait to hear their views on the films.
—
These interviews provide insights into the festival, its featured films, and the passion behind Italian cinema while celebrating the exciting events coming up in Madrid!